HOUSTON -- Imagine going into work without having to worry about gas. 

That’s the reality for folks who are trading their gas-guzzlers for electronic bikes.

E-bikes are battery powered and can be plugged into any household outlet.

They are fast becoming a popular solution for people looking for a gas-free commute.

Michael Baumgarten is among the E-bike converts.

He uses his to commute three miles to and from work.

The bike can travel up to 40 miles on a single charge, and it produces no emissions.

But Baumgarten said the best thing about his E-bike is the savings.

“One of the nice things about this is I don’t have to pay for insurance anymore. I don’t have to have it registered, and I don’t have to have a motorcycle license, which was perfect for me to transition into,” he said.
There is one drawback – E-bikes are regulated to a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Even though it’s slower than a car, it does have some car-like amenities.  E-bikes come with alarms, horns, blinkers and even a small trunk for storage.

11 News photo

They sell for about $1,500 - $2,000. 

Houston-based Veloteq makes and sells the E-bikes.  If you’d like more information, call the company at 832-533-2607 or visit www.gulfcoastveloteq.com.